[Code 1980 §§23-1, 23-39; CC 1990 §5-191; Ord. No. 5090, 11-21-1989; Ord. No. 6415, 6-26-2000; Ord. No. 7766 §1, 1-28-2010]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ACCESSORY SIGN
A sign which names without the use of illustrations or trademarks a major service or commodity offered on the premises on which the sign is located.
BILLBOARD
See "STANDARD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN".
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A sign pertaining to the construction, rehabilitation or remodeling of real estate.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The portion of a sign message made up of illuminated components capable of changing the message. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
[Ord. No. 8548, 9-23-2019]
DIGITAL SIGN
A sign whose alphabetic, graphic, or symbolic informational content or display, either in whole or in part, is composed of electronically illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments which may be changed or altered by means of electrical, electronic or computerized programming.
[Ord. No. 8548, 9-23-2019]
FRAME EFFECT
A visual effect on a digital sign applied to a single frame to transition from one message to the next.
[Ord. No. 8548, 9-23-2019]
GROUND SIGN
A sign supported by two (2) or more uprights placed on or affixed in the ground and not attached to a building.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign pertaining only to the use of the premises on which the sign is located and, depending on the uses permitted in that district, it may contain any of the following information: Name of owner, occupant or management of the use; address; kind of business, profession, service or activity; type or types of products offered.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS
Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by a light source as a part of the sign proper.
LIVING OR HUMAN SIGN
A sign held by or attached to a human for the purposes of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service or product. This can also include a person dressed in costume for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service or product.
MARQUEE SIGN
A sign affixed to a marquee or canopy over the entrance to a building, extending wholly or in part across the sidewalk and supported from the building.
OPEN LETTER SIGN
A sign consisting of individual letters or connected script lettering.
PAINTED SIGN
A sign painted on the outside wall or roof of any building or structure. Such sign is not permitted within the City.
PAPER SIGN
A sign made of paper or cardboard or similar material for temporary use.
PARKING DIRECTION SIGN
A sign indicating the entrance or exit to a parking lot.
PARKING REGULATION SIGN
A sign stating the regulations for the use of the parking lot.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign which is not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure.
POST SIGN
A sign which is supported by a single stationary post.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign which extends beyond the building line.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of real estate.
ROOF SIGN
A sign which is erected, constructed or maintained on a roof.
SHOPPING CENTER
Two (2) or more businesses located under a common roof and conducted by different owners or managers.
SIGN
A name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or points out a building, structure or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, person, activity, institution, organization or business.
SIGN, GROSS AREA OF
For signs which do not have defined borders, frames or backgrounds (for example, signs consisting of letters affixed to the face of a building), the area shall be determined by calculating the area of such signs by enclosing each entire word, figure or component in a parallelogram and totaling the areas of such parallelograms. The area of multi-faceted signs shall be measured by totaling the area of the faces. However, double-faced signs, except a billboard, for the purpose of fees shall be treated as one (1) sign if the distance between the principal faces does not exceed eighteen (18) inches. Only two-thirds (2/3) of a parallelogram enclosing the open letters will be considered in computing the gross area of an open letter sign.
SIGN HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the upper surface of the nearest curb of a street to the highest point of a sign.
SIGN ILLUMINATION
External lighting by means of a light source not a part of the sign proper (whether or not such light source is attached to the structure of the sign).
STANDARD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
A sign with a single sign face area not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet, located off-site and advertising a business, commodity, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which said sign is located or to which it is affixed.
WALL SIGN
A sign attached and parallel to a wall or other similar surface which is an integral part of the building.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign painted on or posted in a window.
[1]
Cross Reference — Definitions and rules of construction generally, §100.020.
[Code 1980 §23-2; CC 1990 §5-192; Ord. No. 5163, 8-27-1990; Ord. No. 5332, 3-23-1992; Ord. No. 5368, 7-13-1992; Ord. No. 5837, 4-22-1996; Ord. No. 5952, 3-24-1997; Ord. No. 6366, 2-14-2000; Ord. No. 7419 §1, 6-13-2007; Ord. No. 7767 §§1 — 2, 1-28-2011; Ord. No. 7800 §1, 6-16-2011; Ord. No. 7859 §1, 1-24-2012]
A. 
The following classes of signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter relating to registration, payment of permit fees, structural requirements and annual inspection fees; but such exemption shall not be construed so as to relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner:
1. 
District restrictions.
a. 
All signs in a residential district not exceeding six (6) square feet in area advertising the sale, rental or lease of real estate when offered for sale, rental or lease by the individual owner of the property or by a real estate business and located upon the property to which such signs refer. Such signs shall not be a hazard to traffic safety. Such signs shall be affixed to a post in the ground or the wall so advertised. Such signs containing the words "sold" shall be removed within ten (10) days after the sale, rental or lease of such property. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed per lot except for corner lots or lots in which the front and back face different streets where there shall be two (2) such signs permitted, one (1) on each side of the property;
b. 
All signs in zoning districts "H-B" and "B-1" through "M-3" not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in an area advertising the sale, rental or lease of real estate when offered for sale, rental or lease by the individual owner of the property or by a real estate business and located upon the property to which such signs refer. Such signs shall not be a hazard to traffic safety. Such signs shall be affixed to a post in the ground or the wall so advertised. Such signs containing the words "sold" shall be removed within ten (10) days after the sale, rental or lease of such property. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed per lot or building except for corner lots, where there shall be two (2) such signs permitted, one (1) on each side of the property;
c. 
In the "HB" zoning district, on-site single- and double-sided portable "A" frame signs and pedestal signs shall be allowed, provided that:
(1) 
Such signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet per side in area and only advertise the products or services of the business at the site;
(2) 
There shall be a clear passage of three (3) feet between any sign and the curb of the street;
(3) 
Such signs shall not be located in any required parking space, any parking lot drive or in any location that interferes with traffic;
(4) 
Such signs shall be removed upon the daily close of the business and at all times when the business is closed, but at no time shall the signs be displayed between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.;
(5) 
Only one (1) sign shall be allowed per business with a maximum of two (2) signs per building;
(6) 
Such signs shall not be attached in any manner to any trees, bushes, shrubs or other vegetation but may be placed upon lawn areas or ground covered by ground cover or among flowers;
(7) 
Such signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair and all parts and supports of such signs, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust, shall be painted or otherwise treated so as to avoid a state of disrepair or to be unsightly by reason of need of paint or by partial destruction or dilapidated condition thereof;
(8) 
Such signs shall not be illuminated;
(9) 
Such signs shall comply with all the provisions of Article II, "H" Historic District (Old Town Area), of this Chapter unless the provisions of this Section are stricter or more stringent, in which case the stricter or more stringent provisions shall apply;
(10) 
Such signs shall comply with all of the other provisions of the Code of Ordinances in addition to those set forth herein.
2. 
Signs advertising the name of the merchant and his/her business, when painted upon the windows of such establishment in zoning districts "H-B" and "B-1" through "M-3" not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet;
3. 
Signs erected on church property giving the name of the church, the time of services and similar information;
4. 
Signs of charitable, benevolent or religious associations not exceeding six (6) square feet and only one (1) sign shall be allowed per lot except for corner lots or lots in which the front and back face different streets where there shall be two (2) such signs permitted, one (1) on each side of the property;
5. 
Signs of political parties, issues and candidates seeking public office provided such signs do not exceed six (6) square feet when placed in any area which has been zoned and developed "R-1" through "R-6", "HR", "HD" and "HMD" and, provided further that such signs do not exceed sixteen (16) square feet when placed in zoning districts "HB" and "B-1" through "M3".
6. 
Professional signs denoting only the name and profession of persons pursuing the livelihoods enumerated in Section 71.620, RSMo., provided such sign does not exceed the size and type permitted by the ethical standards of the profession and in no case exceeds two (2) square feet;
7. 
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be approved by the City Council;
8. 
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and the date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or any other incombustible materials;
9. 
Signs not exceeding six (6) square feet when placed in any area which has been zoned and developed "R-1" through "R-6", "HR", "HD" and "HMD" and signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet when placed in zoning districts "HB" and "B-1" through "M3" when used for the Valley of Flowers Festival, special events, public demonstrations or promotions of civic welfare or charitable purposes. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed per lot except for corner lots or lots in which the front and back face different streets where there shall be two (2) such signs permitted, one (1) on each side of the property;
10. 
One (1) sign denoting the architect, engineer and contractors when placed upon work under construction not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area when placed in zoning districts "HB" and "B-1" through "M3" and not exceeding six (6) square feet when placed in zoning districts "R-1" through "R-6", "HR", "HD" and "HMD". Said signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the completion of such construction;
11. 
One (1) "for sale" sign not exceeding two (2) square feet located within the confines of one (1) motor vehicle which is legally parked in accordance with the ordinances of the City on an improved parking area in a residential district, provided that such motor vehicle shall be the property of the owner or occupant of the residential property;
12. 
One (1) sign located on the property where the garage sale is held, and no more than two (2) other signs providing the address of the property, directional information and the name of the person(s) conducting the garage sale provided that such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area advertising a garage sale that has been duly authorized under Section 405.085(A)(12) of the Zoning Code or any other districts which authorize such sales. Such signs shall only be displayed on the day of the authorized garage sale, and permission must be obtained from the property owners of locations where sign(s) are displayed. All signs must be removed by 5:00 P.M. on the date of the garage sale. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions and regulations set forth herein will be subject to the penalties as provided in Section 100.080 of the Code of Ordinances, provided that any fine shall not exceed thirty dollars ($30.00), and upon conviction shall be prohibited from obtaining a garage sale permit for a period of two (2) years from the date of such conviction.
13. 
Christmas tree signage as authorized under Section 605.070 of this Code and not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet when placed in zoning districts "HB" and "B-1" through "M3" or when placed on church or school property;
14. 
Upon application to the Building Commissioner a permit shall be issued for commercial banners, pennants, balloons, signs, flags and displays for the limited purpose of announcing the grand opening of a business, provided that such displays shall not exceed seven (7) days and for the limited purpose of announcing the annual anniversary date of the opening of a business, provided that such displays shall not exceed four (4) days.
[Code 1980 §23-3; CC 1990 §5-193; Ord. No. 5397, 10-12-1992; Ord. No. 7766 §2, 1-28-2010]
A. 
Required. No person shall erect a sign or billboard within the City and no person shall repair, alter, relocate or maintain any existing sign or billboard within the City unless and until a permit for such sign or billboard shall have been issued by the Building Commissioner.
B. 
Application. No permit required by this Article shall be granted until after an application has been filed with the Building Commissioner showing the plans and specifications of the proposed structure, including dimensions, material and details of construction, nor until all the provisions of this Article relating to such structure have been complied with. Each such application shall be accompanied by the required permit fee. The Building Commissioner may prescribe suitable regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article concerning the form and contents of all applications for the various types of permits required.
C. 
Fees. The fees for each permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be as follows:
1. 
The permit for a living or human sign shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) and the permit for the installation or erection of all other signs shall be subject to the fees as established for building permit fees in Section 500.010 of this Code.
2. 
An annual permit fee of fifteen cents ($0.15) per square foot of area thereof shall be paid for each sign within the City with a minimum annual permit fee to be paid for each sign to be ten dollars ($10.00).
3. 
An annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per year per billboard shall be paid by any person erecting or maintaining a billboard within the City.
4. 
The annual permit fees specified in this Section shall be annual fees for a period commencing on January first (1st) of each calendar year and expiring on December thirty-first (31st) of each calendar year. All such annual permit fees shall be due and payable on or before January thirty-first (31st) of each calendar year. One-half (½) the annual permit fee shall be charged for all signs and billboards erected between July first (1st) and December thirty-first (31st) of the year of erection.
5. 
The annual permit fee shall cover the annual inventory of signs which is performed by the office of the Building Commissioner.
D. 
When Fees Not Required. No annual permit fee shall be required for signs displayed by merchants duly licensed by the City on buildings used by them, but no merchant shall maintain or display more than one (1) such sign which shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. The message surface of such sign shall be on a plane with and not more than twelve (12) inches distant from the plane of a wall of the building so used by such merchant. This exemption from the annual permit fee shall not be construed to exempt such sign from the other requirements of this Article.
E. 
Revocation. The Building Commissioner may revoke any permit issued by him/her pursuant to this Article upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any of the provisions of this Article.
[1]
Cross Reference — Licenses and miscellaneous business regulations, ch. 605.
[Code 1980 §23-4; CC 1990 §5-194]
A. 
No person shall erect, maintain or permit to remain upon or in connection with any property owned or occupied by such person a sign of any type defined in this Article or collect or contract for the payment of any rental or charge on account of any sign furnished by such person to be placed or maintained within the City unless such sign is registered with the Building Commissioner.
B. 
The owner and person maintaining each sign of any type described in this Article shall register such sign with the Building Commissioner. Registration shall be made on forms obtainable in the office of the Building Commissioner and each sign so registered shall be recorded in a permanent file kept by the Building Commissioner for that purpose.
[Code 1980 §23-5; CC 1990 §5-195; Ord. No. 6704, 6-10-2002]
A. 
Material. All ground signs for which a permit is required under this Article shall have a surface or facing of incombustible material, but combustible structural trim may be used thereon.
B. 
Letters, Figures, Etc. All letters, figures, characters or representations in cut-out, irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign, which shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure, shall comply with all the requirements of this Article.
C. 
Height. It shall be unlawful to erect any ground sign whose total height is greater than twenty-five (25) feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces or above the adjoining ground level if such ground level is above the street level; however, such sign or signs may be erected and maintained to a total height of forty (40) feet upon approval by a majority of the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to conditions and restrictions deemed appropriate by the Planning and Zoning Commission and as otherwise required by this Article.
D. 
Location. No ground sign shall be nearer than two (2) feet to any other sign, building or structure. No ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building line established by law. Ground signs are prohibited in shopping centers and all existing ground signs in a shopping center shall be removed by July 31, 1973; however, a special permit authorizing the location of a ground sign may be issued by the Council if the Council finds that the issuance of such permit shall alleviate a hardship and is not simply for the convenience of the applicant, that such proposed sign would be consistent with good planning practices, can be maintained in a manner which is visually compatible with the use of the property in the surrounding area and other sign structures within the surrounding area and is not located in the historic district.
E. 
Support. All ground signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards designed by standard engineering practice and shall not be supported and braced by timbers or metal rods.
F. 
Treating Of Posts. All posts of wood shall be treated to protect them from moisture by creosoting or other approved methods when they rest upon or enter into the ground.
G. 
Maintenance. All ground signs and the premises surrounding the sign shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
H. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Temporary ground signs advertising the future use or development of property on which such signs are located may be erected, subject to the provisions of this Article; but such signs shall be erected only under the provisions of a temporary, six (6) months' renewable permit. No such signs shall exceed ten (10) feet in length or six (6) feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of completion of such development.
2. 
Temporary ground signs may be installed on commercial property or right-of-way located on Dunn Road from Washington Street westwardly to the Florissant City limits and along Graham Road from Dunn Road to Christian Hospital under the following conditions:
a. 
Such signs shall be limited to advertising businesses located within the above area.
b. 
The owner of any signs located in a right-of-way must obtain written permission of the applicable governmental body.
c. 
The signs shall be constructed of a minimum of one-half (½) MDO board or compatible material as approved by the Building Commissioner.
d. 
The signs shall be no larger than sixteen (16) square feet with no dimension longer than five (5) feet.
e. 
The signs shall be securely fastened to the ground to prevent tip over or designed such that tip over is minimized such as a sandwich-type board.
f. 
The signs shall be located such that traffic is not impeded. Such signs shall not be a sight obstruction to traffic.
g. 
A sixth (6th) month renewable permit will be required for such signs showing the location and design of the sign. There will be no charge for the permit.
h. 
The signs shall be limited to identifying the business, location, hours of operation and posted sale prices.
i. 
All such signs shall be maintained in good repair.
j. 
There shall be no more than one (1) sign per business per property. However, those businesses on Graham Road may install one (1) four (4) square foot two-sided directional sign on the commercial properties at the corner of Dunn Road with written permission of the owners of said property. For the purposes of this Section, a "directional sign" is a sign stating the name and address of the business and a directional arrow.
k. 
Upon substantial completion of the road project, all temporary signs granted under Section 520.050(H)(2) shall be removed and shall become null and void.
[Ord. No. 8690, 5-10-2021]
I. 
Renewal Of Permit. The renewal permit for ground signs shall be denied by the Building Commissioner in the event that the sign has not been kept in proper repair or has damaged the public health and welfare by providing a harboring place for rodents or a screen for unauthorized dumping grounds for refuse. Such signs unfit for a renewal permit shall be ordered removed within thirty (30) days after expiration of the permit, subject to the penalties of this Article for failure to remove the violation.
J. 
Subdivision Direction Signs. Temporary ground directional signs to subdivisions under development are permitted in a residential area, provided that permission of the owner of the property upon which the sign is erected is obtained and that there are no objections to such sign by adjoining property owners. Such directional signs shall be no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Such signs are subject to the same restrictions as temporary ground signs.
[Code 1980 §23-6; CC 1990 §5-196]
A. 
Use, Location, Etc. Roof signs shall display no advertising matter, except pertaining to the business conducted in the building upon which the sign is placed, and shall not be placed on the roof of any building so as to prevent the free passage from one part of such roof to any other part thereof or interfere with any opening on such roof. No such sign shall project beyond the exterior wall of the building.
B. 
Construction. Every roof sign shall be constructed entirely of an incombustible material. The uprights, supports and braces shall be constructed entirely of metal and shall be securely anchored or otherwise fastened or supported so that it will not constitute a menace to persons or property. All roof signs shall be so constructed or so erected as to stand the wind pressures of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area subjected to such pressure. No roof sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet of area nor shall it exceed ten (10) feet in height above the roof line or parapet. Every such sign and all supports, braces, guides and anchors thereof shall be kept in good repair.
C. 
Removal. The Building Commissioner shall order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
[Code 1980 §23-7; CC 1990 §5-197]
No wall sign shall extend beyond the building line more than eighteen (18) inches; except that if the sign is illuminated, the light reflectors may project six (6) feet beyond the building line. No wall sign shall exceed forty (40) square feet in area and such sign shall be made of incombustible materials and shall be safely and adequately attached to such buildings. Under unusual or special circumstances, the Building Commissioner may permit the erection of signs up to one hundred (100) square feet in area not otherwise permitted, but the applicant shall first obtain approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission for erection and maintenance of such non-conforming signs. The fact that a non-conforming sign was constructed prior to the applicant's learning of the restrictions in sign areas shall not be considered an unusual or special circumstance.
[Code 1980 §23-8; CC 1990 §5-198]
A. 
All projecting signs shall be made of sheet metal or other non-combustible material. No projecting sign shall extend above the roof line, except that a vertical sign projecting not more than four (4) feet six (6) inches from the building line may extend upward not to exceed ten (10) feet above the roof line. The portion extending above the roof line shall be securely fastened to an angle-ironed frame so constructed that it will not constitute a menace to persons or property. Every projecting sign shall be constructed and braced to withstand a horizontal wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds for every square foot of surface exposed and shall be securely attached to the building wall in an approved manner.
B. 
No projecting sign shall extend more than four (4) feet six (6) inches from the building line, including attachment irons and the like, unless such sign is less than four (4) feet six (6) inches in height, in which case the maximum projection shall be six (6) feet six (6) inches from the building line. No sign shall project nearer to the curbline than two (2) feet. No sign projecting to more than twelve (12) inches from the building line shall be erected directly above or below a sign projecting six (6) feet, unless there is a space of not less than six (6) feet separating such signs. No projecting signs shall extend downward nearer than eight (8) feet to the ground or pavement.
[Code 1980 §23-9; CC 1990 §5-199]
A. 
No post sign shall extend downward nearer than ten (10) feet to the ground or pavement unless such sign is so located on the premises where there is no walk or drive-in traffic. Such excepted sign shall not extend downward nearer than six (6) feet six (6) inches to the ground level. All post signs shall be constructed of sheet metal or other non-combustible materials. Post signs shall be constructed and braced to withstand a horizontal wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds for every square foot of surface exposed and shall be securely attached to the pole or post in an approved manner. No post sign erected on private property shall extend more than four (4) feet six (6) inches from the building line, including attachment irons and the like, unless the sign is less than four (4) feet six (6) inches in height, in which case the maximum projection shall be six (6) feet six (6) inches from the building line. No post sign shall exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
B. 
Post signs are prohibited on shopping centers; but a special permit authorizing the location of a post sign may be issued by the Council if the Council finds that the issuance of such permit shall alleviate a hardship and is not simply for the convenience of the applicant, that such proposed sign would be consistent with good planning practices, can be maintained in a manner which is visually compatible with the use of the property in the surrounding area and other sign structures within the surrounding area and is not located in the historic district.
[Code 1980 §23-10; CC 1990 §5-200]
No marquee or marquee sign shall be erected which does not comply with this Article and any other requirements of this Code or any other ordinances of the City. Marquees and marquee signs may extend to a point two (2) feet back of the curb line, but no such marquee or sign shall be less than eleven (11) feet in the clear above the level of the sidewalk at its lowest level. There may be placed thereon an illuminated sign which may extend the entire length and width of the marquee, provided such sign does not extend more than nine (9) feet above nor one (1) foot below such marquee. Under no circumstances shall the sign or signs have a vertical width greater than nine (9) feet. No additional sign shall be attached to a marquee.
[Code 1980 §23-11; CC 1990 §5-201]
A. 
Gooseneck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on ground signs, roof signs, wall signs, post signs and marquee signs; but the reflector shall be provided with proper glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the signs so as to prevent glare on the street or adjacent property.
B. 
Business signs may be illuminated; but if located in the vicinity of a traffic control signal, no flashing, intermittent or red illumination shall be used thereon.
C. 
All illuminated signs and sign illumination shall be subject to provisions of the Electrical Code of the City and the permit fees required thereunder.
D. 
The application for a permit for the erection of a sign or other advertising structure in which wiring and connections are to be used shall be submitted to the electrical inspector. The electrical inspector shall examine the plans and specifications, inspecting all wiring and connections to determine if they comply with the Electrical Code of the City and he/she shall approve such application if such plans and specifications comply with such code or disapprove the application if non-compliance with such code is found. This action of the electrical inspector shall be taken prior to submission of the application to the Building Commissioner for final approval or disapproval of the erection permit. The applicant for such permit shall pay the electrical inspector an inspection fee in compliance with the fixed fees of the City and the Building Code of the City.
[Ord. No. 8548, 9-23-2019]
A. 
Digital signs are prohibited in the Historic District but are otherwise permitted subject to the following limitations:
1. 
Digital signs shall display static images for a period of at least ten (10) seconds before transitioning to another static image.
2. 
Digital signs shall not include animation, full motion video, flashing, scrolling, strobing, racing, blinking, and changes in color, fade-in or fade-out in any manner imitating movement or any other means not providing constant illumination.
3. 
Frame effects are prohibited, except for a frame effect of a maximum of one (1) second black frame.
4. 
Digital signs shall come equipped with automatic dimming technology which adjusts the sign's brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions, not exceeding 0.3 foot candles about ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at a present distance depending on sign area, measured as the square root of the product of the sign area (sq. ft.) times one hundred (100).
(Example using a fifty (50) s.f. display: Measuring distance= √(50 x 100) = 70)
5. 
There shall be no change in digital sign requirements for various speed limits within the City.
6. 
Each line of copy or graphs must be at least five (5) inches in height.
7. 
Factory settings for digital displays must conform to comply with the Digital Sign Code.
8. 
All Digital signs previously installed prior to this Section shall come into compliance with the regulations set forth herein within one hundred eighty (180) days from the adoption of such regulations.
[Code 1980 §23-12; CC 1990 §5-202]
A. 
Small post signs indicating the direction to any non-commercial institution or place may be erected and maintained on a parkway or on the side of a street, alley or place under the following conditions:
1. 
The Mayor shall investigate and make his/her findings that the sign will serve a public purpose and that a public necessity for such directional sign exists.
2. 
The Mayor shall issue a special revocable permit therefore.
3. 
Such signs shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches in size and shall be installed under the supervision of the Building Commissioner in a manner and at a height so as not to interfere with the ordinary lawful use of the street.
[Code 1980 §23-13; CC 1990 §5-203]
A double-faced sign, except a billboard, shall be considered as one (1) sign under the provisions of this Article. The distance measured between the principal faces of such double-faced sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches if such sign is to be considered as a single sign.
[Code 1980 §23-14; CC 1990 §5-204]
In any residential zone, an incidental sign indicating the name or number of the building or premises or for professional purposes may be erected provided such sign does not exceed one (1) square foot in area and is not otherwise prohibited by law. Such sign, if illuminated, shall be of an enclosed lamp design, shall be non-flashing and shall contain no red illumination. Reflector-type signs may also be used.
[Code 1980 §23-15; CC 1990 §5-205; Ord. No. 5090, 11-21-1989; Ord. No. 6415, 6-26-2000]
No sign, as defined in this Article, shall be erected within the City except upon property which has been zoned for commercial and industrial purposes, except as otherwise allowed by this Chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Section 520.160, Pennants, Flags, Etc., was repealed 10-27-2025 by Ord. No. 9125. Prior history includes Code 1980 §23-16 and CC 1990 §5-206.
[Ord. No. 7766 §3, 1-28-2010]
Upon the issuance of a permit, a living or human sign may be allowed on the premises of the property that is being advertised or within six (6) feet of the right-of-way immediately adjacent to the property that is being advertised for a maximum of six (6) times per calendar year for no more than two (2) consecutive days provided that the City is notified in writing at least seven (7) days in advance of the days in which the living or human sign will be used. The sign area shall not exceed three (3) square feet in size and the living or human sign shall not be permitted off site, within the right-of-way or closer than six (6) feet from the right-of-way adjoining the property being advertised. Any failure to comply with these regulations will result in the suspension or revocation of the sign permit and a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per violation.
[Code 1980 §23-19; CC 1990 §5-209]
No sign or advertising structure shall be erected at or near the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or in any location where by reason of its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. No sign shall make use of the words "Stop", "Look", "Danger" or any other word or phrase of similar character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. No beacon ray or similar type lighting device shall be permitted.
[1]
Cross Reference — Motor vehicles and traffic, Title III.
[Code 1980 §23-22; CC 1990 §5-212]
A. 
No permit shall be issued pursuant to this Article for any sign in a location outside of commercial or industrial districts, as prescribed in zoning ordinances or regulations in force, except as provided in this Article and the erection or maintenance of any sign contrary to such zoning regulations shall be in violation of this Article.
B. 
This Article shall not permit the erection or location of any sign upon any property except in accordance with the appropriate provisions of this Code or any other ordinances of the City.
[1]
Cross Reference — Zoning generally, ch. 405.
[Code 1980 §23-23; CC 1990 §5-213]
The owner or person maintaining any sign regulated by this Article shall have properly painted, at least once every two (2) years, all parts and supports of such sign, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust. No sign shall be maintained in such state of disrepair so as to be unsightly by reason of need of paint or by partial destruction or dilapidated condition thereof.
[Code 1980 §23-25; CC 1990 §5-214]
A. 
The Building Commissioner shall make a survey of the entire City and shall inspect and make an accurate list of all signs of the various types erected in the City and shall note on such list the type of sign, the location thereof, the name and address of the owner or the person maintaining such sign and the size and area in square feet of such sign.
B. 
The Building Commissioner shall make such inspection at least annually. The Building Commissioner shall not levy an inspection fee for this service.
C. 
The Building Commissioner shall cause to be taken down all signs that are unsafe, insecure or a menace to the public or which have been constructed or erected or are being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Article or are not registered with the Building Commissioner, after having first given ten (10) days' notice in writing to the owner of or person maintaining such sign by personally serving him/her with notice or by leaving such notice at the place of business in connection with which the sign is displayed with some person found therein. In case such sign is maintained by a person engaged in the business of erecting and maintaining signs, such notice may be served by addressing and mailing such notice to the last known address of such person.
[Code 1980 §23-26; CC 1990 §5-215]
A. 
No person shall maintain or display on or in connection with any premises owned, occupied or used by him/her any sign in violation with the provisions of this Article.
B. 
Any sign installed, erected or maintained in violation with the terms of this Article shall be an unlawful sign. The Building Commissioner shall take down all ground signs, wall signs, road signs, projecting signs, post signs or marquee signs which are unlawful by first giving ten (10) days' written notice to the owner or person maintaining such sign, in person or by leaving the same at the place of business in connection with which such sign is used or displayed or by addressing a letter to the owner or person maintaining such sign and mailing the same to his/her last known address.
[Ord. No. 7984 §1, 8-26-2013]
A. 
Prohibited. Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person, individual, business entity or organization to erect, post or maintain a sign of any type or size on, in or upon the public right-of-way, including street medians, swales, sidewalks, easements, or other City property. Any such sign may, in addition to being subject to the fine set forth below, be removed from the right-of-way or City property and disposed of by the City.
[Ord. No. 8263 §1, 9-6-2016]
B. 
Penalties For Violations. A summons to appear in court will be issued for any violation of this Section, and, upon conviction, a fine in the amount specified below shall be imposed for any such violation:
1. 
First summons: $75.00.
2. 
Second summons: $150.00.
3. 
Third summons: $250.00.
4. 
Fourth summons and all subsequent summonses: $500.00.
C. 
No Imprisonment. A violation of this Section shall not constitute an offense for which any imprisonment can be imposed.
D. 
Rebuttable Presumption. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the person in violation is the person, individual, business entity, or organization whose name or other identifying information is displayed in the sign's text or illustrations, and that such person, individual, business entity, or organization ordered, directed or otherwise allowed the subject sign to be placed in the public right-of-way.
[Code 1980 §23-27; CC 1990 §5-216]
The Building Commissioner shall remove any sign of immediate danger or hazard to persons or property without notice. No person shall maintain or permit to remain upon any premises owned, leased or occupied or used by him/her, with notice thereof, any unsafe or insecure sign liable to injure any person or property.
[CC 1990 §5-217; Ord. No. 5090, 11-20-1989; Ord. No. 6415, 6-26-2000]
A. 
Any standard outdoor advertising sign lawfully existing prior to the effective date of this Chapter, but which could not be erected under or in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, shall be deemed non-conforming and shall be permitted to continue only in accordance with the following conditions:
1. 
The right to maintain any non-conforming standard outdoor advertising sign shall terminate and shall cease to exist whenever the standard outdoor advertising sign is damaged over sixty percent (60%) of its value or destroyed from any cause whatsoever or became obsolete or substandard under any ordinance regulating such standard outdoor advertising sign to the extent that the standard outdoor advertising sign becomes a hazard or a danger.
2. 
The message of the standard outdoor advertising sign may be changed or modified provided the area of the standard outdoor advertising sign is not enlarged or the height of the sign increased. If enlarged, increased in height or altered structurally, other than pursuant to Subsection (A)(1) above, the standard outdoor advertising sign is deemed to be unlawful and must be immediately removed.
3. 
There may be a change in tenancy, ownership or management of a non-conforming standard outdoor advertising sign provided there is no change in the area or height of such standard outdoor advertising sign.
4. 
Discontinuation of a standard outdoor advertising sign shall mean the absence of any commercial advertisement or public information message and the discontinuation of any general advertising billboard for a period of sixty (60) days or more regardless of any intent to resume or not to abandon such use or standard outdoor advertising sign shall be considered abandonment of use and that general advertising billboard for rent is not considered a continued use under this Subsection.
5. 
Should any standard outdoor advertising sign be moved or relocated for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall become an unlawful standard outdoor advertising sign and must be removed immediately.
6. 
Any violation of ordinance, State or Federal Statute shall terminate immediately the right to maintain such standard outdoor advertising sign.
B. 
Any non-conforming standard outdoor advertising sign that ceases to meet the conditions for continued use and maintenance thereof shall be removed within thirty (30) days from the date it ceases to meet such conditions and, if not so removed within such time, may be removed by the City, with the costs thereof charged to the owner of such standard outdoor advertising sign and placement of a lien on the property on which such standard outdoor advertising sign is located.
[CC 1990 §5-218; Ord. No. 6415, 6-26-2000]
A. 
Prior to issuance of a City permit for erection of a standard outdoor advertising structure, the applicant shall obtain a special use permit. The special use permit application shall include a site plan of the property depicting the landscaping, lighting and fencing around the proposed standard outdoor advertising structure to ensure that the structure will be aesthetically compatible with its surroundings and the aesthetic standards of the community and neighboring property. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission as part of the special use permit review procedure and shall comply with all standards in this Subsection.
B. 
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates any emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any sign. No flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights will be permitted except scoreboards and other illuminated signs designating public service information, such as time, date or temperature or similar information.
C. 
External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors, are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the sign and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled way of the interstate or primary highway and the lights are not of such intensity so as to cause glare, impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle and such lights shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed onto adjacent residential property. No such externally lit sign shall be located within eight hundred (800) feet of any residential property.
D. 
No standard outdoor advertising structure shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official traffic sign, device or signal.
E. 
The maximum height of a standard outdoor advertising structure shall not exceed thirty (30) feet from the natural grade of the highway from which the sign is intended to be read or exceed fifty (50) feet above the natural grade where the sign is installed.
F. 
Separation Requirements. No standard outdoor advertising structure shall be erected:
1. 
Within ninety (90) feet of the property line of the lot on which the standard outdoor advertising structure is located;
2. 
Within four hundred (400) feet of any residentially zoned property;
3. 
Within fifty (50) feet of any existing building or on premises advertising signs;
4. 
Within five hundred (500) feet of any rental property, park, hospital, playground, school, library, church or landmark;
5. 
Within fifteen hundred (1,500) feet of any major highway interchange;
6. 
Within five hundred (500) feet of an existing standard outdoor advertising structure on the same side of the highway;
7. 
Within any shopping center.
G. 
The sign face area of the structure shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.
H. 
The structure shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of a State right-of-way designated as part of the national highway system.
I. 
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or physically interfere with the effectiveness of an essential traffic sign, signal or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view approaching merging intersection's path or to divert a motor vehicle operator's view or attention in approaching a merging intersection's path.
J. 
No sign shall be located on the roof of a building or a non-sign structure.
K. 
Both sign faces of a double-faced sign are to be built back to back and parallel from each other mounted on the same support structure.
[Code 1980 §23-38; CC 1990 §5-231]
A. 
It is hereby declared that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of the features of historical significance of the "H" Historic District is appropriate and necessary in the interest of the general welfare of the community. To that end, the sign regulations provided in this Article are intended to:
1. 
Preserve the historic features of the Old Town area;
2. 
Encourage the use of the Old Town area for the welfare, education and pleasure of the general public;
3. 
Provide an environment which would promote the restoration of the Old Town area.
B. 
The provisions of this Article shall govern the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of all signs within the "H" Historic District of the City as such area is designated in Chapter 405 of this Code.
[Code 1980 §23-40; CC 1990 §5-232]
The exemptions specified in Section 520.020 shall be applicable to this Article; but all signs, including those which are specified in Section 520.020, shall be in harmony with the intent and purpose of these regulations and with the performance criteria and design standards promulgated by the Landmark and Historic District Commission.
[Code 1980 §23-41; CC 1990 §5-233; Ord. No. 5564, 11-22-1993; Ord. No. 6366, 2-14-2000]
A. 
The following signs are prohibited in the "H" Historic District:
1. 
Moving signs (including, but not limited to, pennants, flags and propellers), of which all or any part moves or which appears to move by any means, including fluttering, rotating or otherwise moving devices, or is set in motion by movement of the atmosphere;
2. 
Signs displaying flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity;
3. 
Strips or strings of lights outlining property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, wall edges or other architectural features of any building. This does not prohibit holiday decorations of a temporary nature;
4. 
Signs on public property, other than those erected at the direction or with the permission of a public authority;
5. 
Signs attached to, painted on or placed on a vehicle (including trailers) that is parked on residential property. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business or as prohibiting the parking of vehicles in accordance with the provisions of Section 365.090;
6. 
Billboards;
7. 
Painted signs on an exterior wall;
8. 
Roof signs;
9. 
Neon signs or internally lighted signs having translucent faces; however, internally lighted signs having a routed face with translucent lettering are authorized;
10. 
Plastic signs, unless the sign material simulates a natural material, such as wood;
11. 
Signs, other than real estate signs, remaining sixty (60) days after an owner or occupant has vacated the premises to which the sign refers;
12. 
Signs installed, erected, enlarged or structurally altered in violation of the provisions of this Article;
13. 
Signs which become deteriorated or damaged to an extent that the cost of the reconstruction or restoration is in excess of fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value, exclusive of supports;
14. 
Portable signs, except as permitted by Section 520.020, but no permitted portable signs shall include elements or portions thereof that are prohibited by other portions of this Section;
15. 
Any other sign not expressly permitted by this Article.
[Code 1980 §23-42; CC 1990 §5-234]
A. 
The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed in this Article, shall be the only signs permitted on property used for residential purposes:
1. 
Real estate signs as provided in Section 520.020(1);
2. 
Professional signs as provided in Section 520.020(6);
3. 
Various civic, political and other public signs as provided in Section 520.020(3) through (5) and (7) through (9);
4. 
Construction signs as provided in Section 520.020(10).
[Code 1980 §23-43; CC 1990 §5-235; Ord. No. 6366, 2-14-2000]
A. 
The following regulations shall govern all signs on property used for commercial purposes:
1. 
Size. The total gross sign area per use for all permitted signs, exclusive of parking direction and parking regulation signs, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet. However, the total gross sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet if the building frontage of the part of the building occupied by the business exceeds twenty (20) feet and may be increased to eighty (80) square feet if such frontage exceeds ninety (90) feet.
2. 
Types of signs permitted. The following types of signs are permitted:
a. 
Real estate signs as provided in Section 520.020(1)(a).
b. 
Construction signs as provided in Section 520.020(10).
c. 
Identification signs.
(1) 
Each ground-floor occupant shall be permitted one (1) identification sign facing each street upon which such business fronts. A freestanding identification sign shall be permitted only on the major street and only when the street frontage of the use exceeds one hundred fifty (150) feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed the building height or a maximum height of twenty-two (22) feet, whichever is the lower, and shall not be located within five (5) feet of any public right-of-way.
(2) 
A shopping center or group of businesses may erect one (1) collective business identification sign for all of the uses in the center or grouping. The gross sign area of such a collective sign shall not be deducted from the gross sign area allotted to the individual uses. Such collective sign shall not exceed ninety (90) square feet in gross sign area, shall not exceed the building height or a maximum height of twenty-two (22) feet, whichever is the lower, and shall not be located within five (5) feet of any public right-of-way.
d. 
Accessory signs. Accessory signs, not exceeding three (3) square feet each in gross sign area, shall be permitted if they comply with the other provisions of this Section. Accessory signs may be wall signs or window signs.
e. 
Parking direction signs. One (1) freestanding parking direction sign shall be permitted for each driveway. The sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in gross sign area and shall not project higher than five (5) feet.
f. 
Parking regulation signs. One (1) parking regulation sign shall be permitted for each parking lot plus one (1) additional sign for each twenty-five (25) parking spaces. Such sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in gross sign area, shall not be located within five (5) feet of any public right-of-way and shall not be illuminated. It may only contain parking regulations, rates, time of use and other pertinent parking information.
g. 
Opened lettered window signs stating the name of the business are permitted.
h. 
Projecting signs which hang perpendicular to a building are permitted if they are at least eight (8) feet above the ground level, do not project more than five (5) feet from the building and are at least two (2) feet from the edge of the public right-of-way.
i. 
Portable signs as provided in Section 520.020(1)(c).
3. 
Character of signing. All signs shall be so designed as to enhance the historic character of the Old Town area. The Landmark and Historic District Commission shall develop a series of performance-design criteria which shall serve as guidelines for signing of property used for commercial purposes. These regulations shall be published by the Commission and shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk and the Building Commissioner.
[Code 1980 §23-46; CC 1990 §5-238; Ord. No. 5564, 11-22-1993]
A. 
Authorization. The Landmark and Historic District Commission shall have the power to authorize the erection of signs other than those permitted by the provisions of this Article if the proposed sign is composed solely of a logo or symbol or is an authenticated reproduction or adaptation of a sign of the period of 1776 — 1900; or is an internally illuminated sign having an opaque face with translucent lettering; or is consistent with existing architecture of the building for the proposed sign on buildings constructed after 1900.
B. 
Filing And Submission Requirements. An application for variance, as authorized in Subsection (A) of this Section, shall contain the following information:
1. 
A measured color drawing of the proposed sign;
2. 
A measured drawing of the location of the sign and its relation to other existing or proposed signing on the building;
3. 
A description of the sign material;
4. 
Mechanical details showing that the sign will be illuminated by non-intermittent electrical or natural gas lighting of a white or near white color or electric candle lighting.
C. 
Review Procedure.
1. 
Upon the filing of an application for variance, the Landmark and Historic District Commission shall schedule a hearing thereon within a reasonable time and shall give written notice of the date and purpose thereof.
2. 
All Commission hearings on applications for sign variances shall be open to the public.
3. 
The Commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each application for a variance.
4. 
The Commission shall not grant a variance unless it shall, in each case, determine that the proposed sign will enhance and encourage the development of the Old Town area and conform to the intent and purpose of this Article.
5. 
The Commission shall render written decisions on applications for variances without unreasonable delay.
[Code 1980 §23-47; CC 1990 §5-239]
All of the provisions of Article I of this Chapter for enforcement and the provisions of this Code governing violations of City ordinances shall be applicable to this Article.